This month I was fortunate to attend four very different events, which showcase the wonderful diversity of interests and achievements in our local area, however to begin, let's look at the highlights of July's Full Council meeting:
➡️ We received a comprehensive update from PSCO Mark Cook.
➡️ Cllr Sankey brought a motion to the council to discuss the wearing of robes. After a passionate, but respectful, discussion the resolution was to continue to have a personal choice of whether to wear civic robes at events. While this is a continuation of the status quo, as far as I'm aware, this is the first time that it has been resolved as a decision of the council.
I seconded this motion, which the Town Mayor, Cllr Thorn proposed. This was a recorded vote, which saw all councillors in favour apart from Cllr Rounds, who would have preferred a resolution that meant we would be expected to wear the robes.
➡️ I also proposed the following multi-part motion regarding :
- Create a £200 CIL reserve for Defib Awareness Training — a legacy initiative from Calne Without Parish Council.
- Allocate £16,378 in top-up CIL funds to support Phase 1 (Ninja trail play equipment) of the Recreation Ground project.
- Ensure remaining CIL funds are considered after the 15 July prioritisation session, with options brought back to Full Council for approval.
The motion was seconded by Cllr Wright and unanimously approved.
➡️ Anchor Road Lease - It was agreed to lease the entire building at Anchor Road to the Calne Men's Shed, an inclusive group open to all in the community. As the Town Council representative, I was glad that my fellow councillors agreed to allow the Men's Shed to expand to take on the whole building. This will ensure that this group can continue expanding their provision, which recently has included the addition of an Alzheimer's morning to support those living with dementia in partnership with Alzheimers Support.
🎉 Events
Girlguiding Wiltshire’s 50-year anniversary
What a joy to celebrate
Girlguiding Wiltshire’s 50-year anniversary at St Mary the Virgin Church, Calne on the 12 July.The move, in 1975, to Wiltshire North and South reflects the practical need for more local administration, yet linked by deep continuing friendships. Thank you to the Presidents, County Commissioners, and the incredible volunteers and Guides who’ve given so much.
Also thanks to Rev Caspar Bush for leading the service.
𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆
The following day was another scorcher, another wonderful public event.The amazing work the Chippenham civic award winners undertake is fantastic (only surpassed by the volunteers in Calne, of course!). Information about the 2025 winners can be found at Chippenham Hospital Radio. Springboard Chippenham, a charity that provides support for pre-school children (aged 0-5) with special needs and their families - 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗻𝗲, are the Chippenham Mayor's charity for the year. Please do contact them if you may benefit from their support:
I wish Kathryn all the best for the rest of her mayoral year.
Calne Town Crier Competition
On Saturday 19 July,
Calne Town Crier Competition hosted 11 Town Criers from the UK and Bermuda. The results for this competition are as follows:🥇 First Place was awarded to Jeremy Holland of Cinderford.
🥈 Second Place went to Paul Gough from the Borough of Nuneaton and Bedworth.
🥉 Third Place was claimed by Nigel Kenneison of Newton Abbot.
🎩 Best Dressed Crier was Nigel Kenneison.
🎩 Best Dressed Consort was Yvonne Recardo of Yeovil.
🎩 Best Dressed Couple was Jane and Jonathan Smith from Bognor Regis.
🗣️ Best Content Award was presented to David Green of Torpoint by Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Tim Havenith. Read the full cry below ⬇️
Thank you to everyone who took part and supported the event, including the captivating Chippenham Morris Dancers.
I am thankful to Mark Wylie, Calne Town Crier, and his wonderful family for bringing such an amazing event to our town.
A Piece of Blue 20th Anniversary
I was also attended the 20th anniversary party at The Talos Art Gallery for Calne Catering and The Farmhouse Cafe. These businesses are run by former Cllr Bolton-Merrick, two-time Calne Town Mayor and are a familiar favourite among locals.
Guests included representatives from Love Calne, Friends of Calne Bike Meet, Dr Brian Mathew MP and Wiltshire Councillors.
A fond farewell
I will take this opportunity to wish Pat Frediani all the best for the future. Pat was one of our very capable Information Officers for close to two years and is taking the opportunity to travel. All the best, Pat!
Looking Ahead
The summer holidays are now upon us and meetings will slow down during this period of time. I, for one, am looking forward to spending time with my family and I hope you all have a fantastic summer!
Best Content Award on the theme 'White Horse' awarded to David Green of Torpoint:
'Calne......White Horses Cry.'
Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!
Attend the tale of a historic, chalky place
And its famous White Horse, a carved-out figure that nearby
Cherhill’s slopes doth grace
The White Horse, but for ONE letter, The White House
MAGA White House MADNESS prevails
The Star Spangled Banner therein sung, and hung
By trumped up thugs and bounders
Who’ve greedily pocketed a sweaty dollared bung
A different kind of madness, far milder, more genteel than that
Befuddled a man who
From this space lived a mere skip and a hop
A Doctor, no less, Christopher Alsop
Alsop, 18th Century Guild Steward of the Borough of Calne
Who, had he been a Town Crier and a little more wiley (Wylie)
Might have modulated his voice
While he (Wylie) instead shouted from afar and at that through a
megaphone
Instructing chalky labourers from Labour-In-Vain-Hill and around
that zone
Who nonetheless triumphed with Alsop’s splendid equestrian
design and creation
Now mercifully, beautifully preserved for
OUR proud, well mannered Nation
Long live the White Horses of Alsop’s Cherhill
and those beyond
God save the King
